2023 Nissan Versa

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Rating6.1

Ranked #2 in 

Subcompact Sedan
Write Review
$15,980 - $19,970
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 8, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Plenty of standard features for the price

Lackluster performance

No changes

Impressive safety features right from the base trim

Cabin lacks cubbies for small item storage

Excellent fuel economy figures

Spacious cabin

Cavernous cargo area

Simple and user-friendly infotainment system

Specs & Features

$15,980

price

122 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

114 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

torque

5-speed Manual

transmission

1.6L 4cyl FWD 5M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Time and again, Nissan has portrayed its prowess in making some brilliant passenger vehicles that are both affordable and safe, while its luxury vehicle game is strong as well. The Nissan Versa started its journey way back in 1995 as a compact car but was slotted into the subcompact segment following its 2011 redesign. Being sold in a near bare-bones form during its second generation, the Versa was again redesigned back in 2020 and got the necessary upgrades in terms of design and features to keep up with the competition. The Versa is built on the Nissan V Platform which it shares with several other vehicles from both Nissan and Renault.

Buying Advice

The base S trim is quite well-equipped with features for its price tag and will be a great option for shoppers with a sub-twenty grand budget. However, the mid-level SV trim offers the best value since it improves the safety aspect with a Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2023 Nissan Versa will carry on unchanged once more with its three trim levels on offer, like the current model. The affordable sedan will be powered by a standard naturally aspirated I-4 motor that allows the car to offer an average performance for the class. On the inside, the car gets plenty of features for the price while the safety aspect is impressive with more than a couple of ADAS techs as standard right from the base model onwards. The upcoming model is expected to carry a base price of $16,000 excluding the destination charges. In its class, the sedan will compete with the Kia Rio, the Hyundai Accent, and the Mitsubishi Mirage G4.

Features
7.0/10

The 2023 Nissan Versa is expected to come unchanged hence, its trim levels will also be similar to the current model as well. The sedan will be offered in three trim levels, S, SV, and SR. The base S trim is expected to carry a price tag of $16,800 and will get standard features such as keyless ignition, a four-speaker audio system, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 15-inch steel wheels, and a height-adjustable driver's seat among others. The mid-level SV trim will start at around $20,000 and is expected to offer bigger 16-inch alloy wheels, heating for the ORVMs, a premium cloth upholstery, satellite radio along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-end SR trim gets even bigger 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, fog lamps, trim-specific upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a remote ignition system among a few others.

Trim

S

SV

SR

MSRP

$16,800

$20,000

$21,000

Key Features

Keyless ignition with push-button mechanism

Upgraded and bigger 16-inch alloy wheels

Upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels

15-inch wheels with wheel caps

Heated ORVMs

All-LED headlamps and fog lamps

Quad speaker audio system

ORVM caps and door handles finished in body color

Trim-specific upholstery

7-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Premium cloth upholstery

Keyless entry

Height-adjustable driver's seat

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

60/40 split-folding rear seats(only in CVT models)

Satellite radio

Remote ignition

Automatic emergency braking

Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert

Six-speaker audio system

Automatic emergency braking

Lane departure warning

We Recommend

The base S trim is quite well-equipped with features for its price tag and will be a great option for shoppers with a sub-twenty grand budget. However, the mid-level SV trim offers the best value since it improves the safety aspect with a Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Release Date

The 2023 Nissan Versa hasn't been released yet. However, according to the past timelines of Nissan's launches, the 2023 Versa will go on sale by fall 2022.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

Fuel efficiency is one of the primary deciding factors when buying an affordable subcompact car, and the Nissan Versa lives up to the expectations as well. The 2023 Nissan Versa will return an average of 27mpg in the cities along with 35mpg of highway mileage when equipped with the standard manual transmission. With the CVT transmission, the numbers rise up to 32mpg of city mileage along with 40mpg of highway mileage. However, the driving range numbers are subpar due to the small-ish 10.8-gallon gas tank.

Models

2023 Nissan Versa

2022 Kia Rio

2022 Hyundai Accent

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

MPG (City)

27

33

33

33

MPG (Highway)

35

41

41

40

MPG (Combined)

30

36

36

35

Fuel Capacity 

10.8

11.9

11.9

9.2 

Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles) 

292/378/324

393/488/428

393/488/428

304/368/322

The Kia Rio impresses with its fuel economy figures since it gets only CVT as standard and the Versa matches up with the Rio in terms of mpg figures with its CVT as well. The Hyundai Accent has identical EPA ratings to the Rio along with similar driving range numbers due to the same-sized gas tank. The Mitsubishi Mirage G4, despite having a puny motor and output figures, its mpg numbers are almost similar to the Hyundai twins.

Interior
5.0/10

Despite the disappointing performance part, the Nissan Versa finally impresses on the interior part. It is natural for an affordable subcompact car to have a significant amount of exposed hard plastic surfaces but the quality of materials is decent enough. The front seats are comfortable and get Nissan’s zero-gravity tech for additional comfort over long journeys. However, the rear seats are decent in terms of comfort at most but taller passengers might feel the legroom to be tighter than normal. The steering wheel gets a sporty feel with a flat-bottom design and offers good grip while driving and the dashboard also has a user-friendly layout as well. The standard height-adjustable driver’s seat offers an SUV-like driving position in its highest setting. The trunk space is generous at 14.7 cu-ft.

Models

2023 Nissan Versa

2022 Kia Rio

2022 Hyundai Accent

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.5/53.1/44.5

38.9/54.1/42.1

38.9/54.2/42.1

38.9/51.7/41.7

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

36.3/53.6/31.0

37.4/53.3/33.5

37.3/53.7/33.5

36.8/51.2/37.3

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft.)

14.7

13.7

13.7

12.4

The Kia Rio gets a stylish and premium-looking cabin but lacks the driver-oriented feel of the Nissan Versa. The cabin is more spacious than the Versa’s cabin but loses out to the Versa in terms of cargo capacity. The Hyundai Accent has identical interior dimensions to the Kia Rio but gets a toned-down design as compared to its mechanical twin. The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 gets a bland yet functional cabin with no interesting or attractive design to offer. However, it fares better than the rivals here in terms of headroom and legroom for all the occupants.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Nissan Versa include:

  • Height-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Push-button ignition
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Remote ignition
  • Keyless entry

How intuitive is the 2023 Nissan Versa’s infotainment system?

The infotainment system of the 2023 Nissan Versa is rather well-equipped for the price of the sedan. The sedan gets a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display that is bright and responsive to touch inputs. Standard features on the base trim include Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a four-speaker audio setup. The higher trim levels offer standard Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Nissan Versa include:

  • 7.0-inch touchscreen display
  • Four-speaker audio system
  • Bluetooth
  • Siri Eyes Free
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Satellite radio

Exterior
6.0/10

The previous generation Nissan Versa used to look quite forgettable and bland but Nissan took care of it quite well with the latest model of the sedan. Now, the front end of the sedan looks striking with that huge V-shaped grille which can be found on other vehicles from the brand as well. The hood gets a clamshell-like opening design along with a couple of sculpted lines emerging from the grille and continuing all the way to the hinges. On the side, the sedan gets a sculpted character line running across the doors from the front fenders to the rear fenders while the fenders don't bulge out too much over the wheel arches. The rear end of the sedan also looks quite impressive too with that sharp and angular design of the tail lights.

Models

2023 Nissan Versa

2022 Kia Rio

2022 Hyundai Accent

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Curb Weight (lbs)

2,559 

2,767

2,679

2,117

Length (in)

177.0

172.6

172.6

169.5

Width (in)

68.5

67.9

68.1

65.7

Height (in)

57.3

57.1

57.1

59.2

Ground Clearance (in) 

6.8

5.5

5.5

6.3

Wheelbase (in)

103.1

101.6

101.6

100.4

The Kia Rio sedan gives the Nissan Versa a tough time in terms of exterior design, especially with that aggressive Tiger grille from Kia. The Versa is longer and has a longer wheelbase than the Kia Rio, and the latter feels more compact than the Versa in real life. The Hyundai Accent looks less appealing than the Kia Rio and the Nissan Versa but stands its ground with its fairly-aggressive appeal courtesy of the enormous front grille. The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is the smallest and the most compact sedan here and its front-end design looks a bit disproportionate while looking at it from the side.

Some standout exterior features include:

  • 15-inch steel wheels/16-inch alloy/17-inch alloy wheels
  • Heated ORVMs
  • ORVM caps and door handles finished in body color
  • LED headlamps
  • Fog lamps
  • Rear spoiler
  • Keyless entry
  • Dark chrome grille

Safety
7.0/10

Japanese automakers are known for not making any compromises in terms of safety irrespective of how affordable their vehicles are, and the Nissan Versa stands as a testament to it. The 2022 Versa scored a perfect 5-star rating in the NHTSA crash tests; however, the IIHS did not test the car completely. Despite that, the sedan gets all the basics covered with basic safety aids and additionally gets ADAS techs as standard right from the base trim onwards. The standard features include automatic emergency braking, Rear automatic braking, Lane departure warning, and automatic high beam control.

Some of the standout safety features include:

  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Rear automatic braking
  • Lane departure warning
  • Automatic high beam control
  • Automatic high beams
  • Adaptive cruise control

Competition

2023 Nissan Versa vs 2022 Kia Rio sedan

The Kia Rio Sedan brings the practicality of a sedan for shoppers not preferring the Rio hatchback. The passenger space and standard features are commendable on the sedan while it appeals with its exterior design as well. When pitted against the Versa, it only falls short in front of the latter in terms of cargo capacity. The price gap between both the sedans is marginal and picking up either one makes sense.

2023 Nissan Versa vs 2022 Hyundai Accent

Even though the Hyundai Accent is a mechanical twin of the Kia Rio hatchback, it tells a story of its own. When compared to both the Rio and the Versa, it has an understated exterior and interior design but manages to impress with its fuel economy numbers with the standard CVT unit, especially when compared to the Versa with its standard manual gearbox. On the inside, it is as spacious as the Kia Rio however, the Versa still takes the crown in terms of cabin design and the layout of controls.

2023 Nissan Versa vs 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is the least powerful and most compact sedan in the segment, and it truly disappoints with its puny little 1.2-liter three-cylinder motor. The Nissan Versa is better than the Mirage G4 in every aspect and when equipped with the CVT, the Versa can match up with the rest of the rivals in terms of fuel economy numbers as well.

Final Verdict

The Nissan Versa makes for a great and trusted mile muncher for the urban limits. The sedan’s well-balanced steering wheel and decent ride quality make it easier to live with. Apart from getting the design part right, the sedan also takes care of the fuel economy aspect and safety part as well, making it a value-for-money sedan in its class. Standard features are given plenty for the price and Nissan is even generous enough to offer a few features as optional extras too.

Trims

    S
    $15,980 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD 5M
    • Horsepower: 122 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 114 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 115 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 30 mpg
    SV
    $19,270 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 122 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 114 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 10 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 35 mpg
    SR
    $19,970 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 122 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 114 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 10.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 35 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$15,980- $19,970

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.09

Horsepower

122 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

114 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$15,650

Gasoline

6.75

120 hp @ 6300 rpm

113 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

-

Read Review

2023 Nissan Versa vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    Source
    9.8 sec17.4 sec115 mph

    2023 Nissan Versa vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      Source
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg10.8 gal.291.6/378 mi.

      2023 Nissan Versa vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        177 in.68.5 in.57.3 in.6.8 in.103.1 in. -

        2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

        Ranked #2

        169.5 in.65.7 in.59.2 in.6.3 in.100.4 in. -

        2023 Nissan Versa vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          Source
          14.7 cu.ft.88.9 cu.ft.14.7 cu.ft.

          2023 Nissan Versa vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Source
            14.7 cu.ft.14.7 cu.ft.14.7 cu.ft.

            2023 Nissan Versa vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              Source
              955 lbs.2599 lbs. -

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              Latest 2023 Nissan Versa Stories/Updates

              0
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